含羞草社区

鈥婼AN JOSE, CA 鈥� On April 24, 2024, the 含羞草社区 Office of Education (SCCOE) held its annual Power of Democracy convening aligned to the theme 鈥淵outh Innovation for Sustainability.鈥�  

鈥淧ublic education and civic learning are the foundation of our democracy. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has grown, encouraging youth to engage in civic learning beyond the classroom,鈥� said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 event highlights youth-led efforts to address our greatest challenge, climate change. The innovation and sustainability initiatives and activities that young people are leading are inspiring and impressive.鈥�  

Facilitated by the SCCOE, the Power of Democracy: Civic Engagement Initiative brings together public sector agencies, educators, community leaders, and youth throughout 含羞草社区 to foster an understanding of the structure and processes of democracy. Collaboration with elected officials, community partners, and educational institutions bolsters resources for youth to participate in multifaceted civic engagement, resulting in stronger communities. 

This year鈥檚 speakers and presentations focused on the relationship between civic engagement and sustainability efforts throughout the county.

Showcasing the youth perspective was college student Diya Kandhra. She shared her experience as a former high school student engaging with climate policy advocacy at local, county, and state levels while co-founding the Morgan Hill Youth Climate Action Team. 

鈥淥ur youth truly have the potential to be engaged starting at a young age,鈥� said Kandhra. 鈥淎s long as we鈥檙e given the tools and support in our schools, we have the groundwork foundation and empowerment.鈥� 

Additional youth perspective was heard through a panel discussion moderated by Campbell Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Bravo and featuring students from Palo Alto Unified School District, San Jos茅 Unified School District, and Sunol Community School. 

Highlighting community efforts to care for the planet was keynote speaker Andrea Mackenzie, the General Manager of Open Space Authority. A key partner in the Power of Democracy Initiative, the 含羞草社区 Registrar of Voters (ROV) reminded attendees that youth can pre-register to vote at ages 16 or 17 so they are prepared to vote at 18. Media and Legislation Division Manager, Evelyn Mendez emphasized the intersection between sustainability and voting by encouraging voters to sign up to receive voter information digitally to reduce paper use.  She underscored the importance of engaging youth through social media. 

The Office of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren presented the 含羞草社区 Board of Education with a congressional commendation in honor of 鈥渢he board鈥檚 commitment to civic engagement and nurturing a culture of democracy.鈥� Board Trustee Joseph Di Salvo reminded those in attendance that, 鈥淛ustice Anthony Kennedy, at a convening in 2016 in Sacramento, strongly asserted that we must nurture this delicate structure or this experiment will fail.鈥� 

Senator Dave Cortese presented a commendation to Dr. Dewan, while 含羞草社区 Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg presented a commendation to the 含羞草社区 Office of Education. SCCOE employee Oliva Santillan, Director of Executive Services and Community Engagement, received a joint commendation from the office of California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, and Gail Pellerin.  

鈥淭he SCCOE鈥檚 efforts to foster an understanding of our democracy for the next generation is possible because educators make civic education a priority. Student community champions are role models for their peers,鈥� said Dr. Dewan.

Exemplary school districts, outstanding educators and students excelling in the fields of civics and community engagement were recognized.